This resolution commemorates the tenth anniversary of the Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting by honoring the victims and acknowledging the legal aftermath of the tragedy.
Tim Scott
Senator
SC
This resolution commemorates the tenth anniversary of the tragic 2015 shooting at the Mother Emanuel AME Church by honoring the lives of the nine victims lost that day. It details the accomplishments of those killed and summarizes the subsequent federal and state legal proceedings against the perpetrator. Ultimately, the bill serves as a formal acknowledgment of the victims and the enduring strength of the church community.
Formal Resolution Commemorates Tenth Anniversary of Mother Emanuel AME Church Tragedy on June 17, 2025
This resolution is a formal, legislative act of remembrance, officially designating June 17, 2025, as the tenth anniversary of the tragic shooting at the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s not about changing laws or spending money; it’s about making sure an official record exists that honors the nine victims and acknowledges the profound impact of the event.
The Official Record of Remembrance
The resolution starts by detailing the lives lost, listing the names and accomplishments of each victim: Reverend Clementa Pinckney, Cynthia Hurd, Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Tywanza Sanders, Ethel Lance, Susie Jackson, Reverend DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Reverend Daniel Simmons, Sr., and Myra Thompson. For the families and the community, this formal recognition means that the lives of their loved ones are permanently memorialized in the legislative record, ensuring they are remembered for who they were, not just how they died.
Summarizing the Legal Chapter
The text then briefly summarizes the legal outcome following the attack, noting the conviction and death sentence of the perpetrator, Dylann Roof, in Federal court in 2017. It also explains that Roof later pleaded guilty to state charges in exchange for nine consecutive life sentences without parole. This inclusion provides a clear, factual summary of the judicial process that followed the tragedy, which is important for closing the loop on the public record.
Resilience and Faith: The Core Message
Beyond remembrance, the resolution focuses heavily on the resilience of the Mother Emanuel AME Church congregation. It emphasizes the church’s strength and faith in the face of immense pain, specifically referencing two Bible verses (Romans 8:28 and Matthew 18:21-22) that speak to finding good in tragedy and the power of forgiveness. For the broader public, this resolution serves as a reminder that official bodies can and should recognize community strength and the enduring hope that can follow acts of violence. It’s a purely commemorative gesture, focused on honoring those affected and celebrating the community's refusal to be defined by hate.